Chapter 26
Elli
Wes: Good morning gorgeous. I hope you slept well. I had so much fun yesterday. Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you. Xoxo
Waking up to a text from Wes after having the best orgasm, best first date, best day ever makes me giggle and kick my feet. I feel like I’m floating as I go through my morning routine and get ready for the day.
I’m in the middle of making breakfast when my mom calls on Facetime. I check what I’m wearing, and when I realize I’m in a tiny crop top that shows the hickey Wes gave me last night, I hurry and throw on a t-shirt before answering.
I paste on a smile. “Hey, Mom.”
“Elliana.” She says curtly. “We haven’t heard from you in a while.”
Well, the phone works both ways as you always say.
“Sorry, I’ve been super busy with work and settling in. Izzy’s called me a few times. She said Spence got his mission call to Brazil. That’s exciting.”
Mom’s eyes glow with warmth for her favorite son.
I know it, she knows it, everyone knows Spencer is her favorite.
Her golden child. Her voice is much warmer now that I’ve brought him up.
“Yes, we’re so proud of him and his decision to serve.
That’s actually why I’m calling you. I wanted to see if you were going to make it out for his farewell?
You know he’s your first sibling to go on a mission.
It would look bad if you were to miss it. ”
Wow. Two minutes in and she’s already guilt-tripping me. Splendid. I just manage to stop my eyes from rolling while I respond.
“Yes, I planned on coming. I’m going to be bringing…” A friend? My boyfriend? What do I call Wes? “Wes. Someone I’ve gotten close to while I’ve been here.”
Mom’s eyebrow raises, and she doesn't look pleased. “I hope you won’t be bringing your friend to stay here while you’re here. You know we don’t have the extra room.”
“I know, Mom. I figured we’d just stay at a hotel.”
“We? Is this Wes a boy or a girl?”
“He’s a boy. I’m not just going to abandon him to stay alone while I stay at your house.”
That’s the first time I haven’t called my childhood house “home.” It’s a stark realization that I don't consider it home anymore. Did it ever feel like home?
“Elliana,” she sighs, disappointment evident in her tone. “You know what people will say if they realize you’re shacking up with a man when you’re unmarried. Besides, what will Packer think?”
“Packer lost the right to think anything about me when he broke up with me and married someone else two months later.” I grit out. How dare she bring up my ex of almost a year right now? He’s married and expecting a fucking child last I heard.
“Well what about your sister? What kind of example are you setting for her?” Mom presses.
“Izzy is almost an adult, Mom. She’s not going to base her choices on anyone but herself and you know it.
I understand this is probably going to disappoint you and dad, but I’m an adult too.
And I’ve made my decisions. I lo-I like Wes a lot.
He’s been nothing but kind to me. If you don’t want him there, then that’s fine but I’d rather you say that then try to guilt me into not bringing him. ”
The thought of facing my family without Wes there makes me want to throw up. I know I shouldn't be so dependent on someone, and I know Izzy has my back, but I’ve never done well with family gatherings. The thought of having to sit through another one alone…
Mom sighs again, clearly frustrated and angry. “Fine. Bring Wes. But don’t tell anyone you’re staying in a hotel alone with him. You’re right about me and your father being disappointed in you, Elliana. We raised you better than this. Have you even been going to church since you moved?”
“No. I haven’t.”
“So you just want to tear apart our eternal family? That’s what you want? Do you hate us that much?” Tears start welling in her eyes. Of course, the only emotional reaction would be about her precious eternal family. A show of compliance, not love.
“It’s not about you. Or dad. Or anyone but me. I don’t believe in the church anymore. I haven’t for a while.”
“Well. I’m glad to know I raised such a selfish child. I have to go, I have church meetings to attend. I’ll see you in August.”
And then she hangs up.
Frustrated tears well in my eyes and spill over even as I try to blink them away. I hate when she does the passive aggressive “I’m such a bad mom” thing. It’s not fair for her to turn my choices against me like that. Needing some comfort, I do the only thing I can think of.
I text Wes.
Elli: Morning, handsome. I wish I woke up next to you. Any chance you’re free today? I could use a distraction.
His response is almost immediate.
Wes: I’m on my way with comfort food and movies, baby. Any special requests?
Elli: Just you <3
Wes: I’m here for you, baby. <3
I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such an amazing human on my side. Fuck what my mom and anyone else thinks of Wes. I love him. I can’t believe I almost let that slip out on the phone with my mom.
I love Wes.
The thought terrifies me. But I think about my sad love life.
I think about Brigham and his manipulation and how he blamed me for being a horny creep.
I think about my relationship with Packer. I thought I was in love with him, I thought we would get married.
But he was always pushing me to lose weight. Saying he just “wanted a healthy girlfriend” even though I have no cause for any health concerns.
He was rarely affectionate with me in public, like he was ashamed of me.
When he broke up with me and told me it was because he wasn’t ready to be in such a committed relationship, I got it. I thought that made sense. He wanted to date around or whatever.
Turns out, he was just passing the time until a girl he met on his mission moved to Utah for school. He was waiting for this freshly eighteen year old girl. They got married two months after he broke up with me. And now she’s pregnant and tied to him forever.
I really dodged a bullet there.
Then I think about Wes.
How he helped Luke out in a time of need.
How he was such a gentleman to me, a total stranger.
How he was attentive and engaging on that awkward blind date.
How he opened up to me about his grandma and mom.
How he let Matt take me on a date because he didn't want to step on anyone’s toes.
How he wrote a love song based on a fleeting conversation, for me.
How he always seems to want to be close to me, no matter who’s around.
How hungry his eyes got when they saw me naked last night…
My thighs clench automatically just thinking about it. Last night was so hot, so eye opening.
I want more.
But I’m also terrified because I felt his erection. It was pretty thick. And hard. Bigger than my vibrator.
Sex is natural. It’ll fit.
There’s a knock on my door, and glance down and realize I never changed out of my lounge shorts and the t-shirt I put on to talk to my mom. I debate taking it off, but I’m only wearing a thin crop top underneath and, despite how much I want him, I’m not trying to get in his pants right this second.
Maybe later though…